Nissan’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, South Africa, could soon shut down as the company moves to reduce its global manufacturing footprint. The Japanese carmaker announced a massive restructuring plan that will see it scale down operations by closing 40% of its factories globally by 2027. This decision is part of a broader strategy to cut costs and boost profitability under the company’s new recovery plan.
According to IOL, Nissan intends to lower the number of production plants worldwide from 17 to just 10. The Rosslyn facility, Nissan’s only manufacturing plant in Africa is now under “serious consideration” for closure as part of the cuts.
The Rosslyn plant currently assembles the Nissan Navara, a mid-size pickup popular in both local and export markets. However, after the discontinuation of the NP200 bakkie in 2024, the plant has been operating far below capacity. In early 2025, local sales of the Navara reached just over 1,800 units, while 3,100 were exported numbers that fall short of keeping the plant economically viable. The report stated
Built in 1966, the Rosslyn factory has been a key player in South Africa’s auto industry. Its possible closure has sparked fears of major job losses, especially since the global plan includes cutting 20,000 jobs across Nissan’s operations.
While Nissan South Africa has not confirmed a final decision, the company says the facility’s performance and long-term viability are being closely assessed. Workers and unions are bracing for impact, with many calling for government intervention and local solutions to secure future production at the site.
Despite this cloud of uncertainty, Nissan has recently launched refreshed products like the Navara Warrior and the Magnite Move in South Africa. These launches reflect the company’s ongoing interest in the region, but it remains unclear whether such efforts will be enough to save the Rosslyn plant.
A legacy at risk
The Rosslyn plant isn’t just another factory, it’s a symbol of Nissan’s deep roots in South Africa. Since its opening in 1966, the facility has rolled out iconic models like the Nissan 1400, a vehicle that became a household name across the country. Over nearly six decades, it has supported thousands of jobs and played a vital role in the local economy. As IOL reports, the potential shutdown of this plant would not only threaten employment but also mark the end of nearly 60 years of continuous production, signaling a major loss for South Africa’s industrial legacy.
Regional importance
The Rosslyn plant doesn’t just serve South Africa it’s a key export hub for up to 45 African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. Its closure could disrupt supply chains across the continent and weaken South Africa’s position as a manufacturing leader in the region.
Production numbers and economic impact
At its peak, the Rosslyn facility could produce up to 50,000 vehicles annually, but output has fallen sharply in recent years. In May 2025, sales of the Nissan Navara totaled just 389 units—ranking it fifth among South Africa’s top-selling bakkies. This slowdown, as reported by IOL, has sparked serious questions about the plant’s long-term sustainability, especially as Nissan shifts its global strategy to focus on more profitable markets.
As global automakers reassess their strategies in a tightening market, Nissan’s move highlights the pressures facing legacy factories especially in regions like Africa, where production volumes are m
